Glimpse

Chapter 30: Shayne

Sunlight shone through slotted shades, spotlights dotting the interior of Shayne's room. Their narrow spheres shimmered across wrinkled sheets, sweeping over mountains of fabric cloaking Shayne's supine form. It highlighted the exhaustion defacing him as he sprawled out in a T-position, studying the ceiling.

Soft humming emanated from his bathroom, a lighthearted melody that rushing water obscured. Steam seeped from the ajar door, mere inches of wood concealing Courtney's showering form from him. Palming the empty void beside him, he relished in her lingering warmth.

"I didn't not know yet, just how I would get. Distance makes me fonder. Playing this game of matter and space, say it will bring us closer." For a brief moment, her melodic singing overpowered the faucet. Bright and bouncy, the happiness brightening her cadence doused him in relief. "I don't want anything to do with anyone but you. Only with you."

Exhaling solidified the smirk toying with his lips at the reminder of her choice to stay. What did an idiot like me do to deserve an angel like you? The notion of Courtney abandoning him seemed so stupid, irrational, and naive, and yet he had still submitted to his fear. Allowing it to dominate him. Allowing it to steer him into relinquishing the best thing to ever happen since getting hired at Smosh. I won't fall prey again, I promise.

Shayne rotated to submerge himself in her barren side, breathing in her scent-saturated pillow. Vanilla and citrus blended with a headier aroma to elicit her lace-clad form to the forefront of his mind. Just the memory reignited the flames that had scorched him.

Despite his premature release cutting their endeavors short, the subsequent cuddle session alleviated any embarrassment. That and her lack of judgment. Not that he expected it. Still, her acceptance reassured his unfounded worry of his fumbling hands scaring her into ones with more expertise.

Even the understandable disappointment he anticipated never transpired. No, his confession satisfied her. At least, it had appeared that way, what with her rejecting his hesitant offer to assist in other methods - no hint of frustration either. To be honest, his spiraling anxiety appreciated it. Processing what would have been a tremendous development of intimacy on top of his guaranteed disappearance, it threatened to destroy.

Where will I even go?

Not the smartest of the bunch, are we now?

Shayne flopped onto his back with a hefty exhale.

Good morning to you too.

Maybe, if you'd just quiet your brain, I wouldn't be dragged to this hell hole so often?

Sorry I'm not a vegetable? Whatever. Look, we fixed things, and I sure as hell don't need your hot-headed bullshit ruining Christmas.

Running water ceased, Courtney's melodic cadence gracing its absence. Shayne failed to identify the peppy tune as its reverberations infiltrated his bedroom. It beckoned him to abandon the refuge of his mattress and join her.

And yet, you're still here.

Ever think of showing some gratitude? I did just save your relationship, or did you forget that too?

Thanks, are you happy now?

Beggars can't be choosers, I suppose.

Now, unless you care to tell me where I go when you steal my skin, scram. Go hide or something.

Well, since that daft little brain of yours hasn't figured it out yet, let me simplify it for you. Think of it like a transaction of souls. Mine in exchange for yours. We're switching, and it's just a matter of time, unfortunately.